PAUL ANDERSON says the Giants are “excited” about Sunday’s home pre-season clash with Widnes.

The John Smith’s Stadium chief has selected his strongest-available 20-man squad (3.00) for what will be his side’s final warm-up game before the Super League XVIII opener at St Helens on Saturday, February 2.

Eorl Crabtree, Jacob Fairbank, Brett Ferres, Stuart Fielden and Jermaine McGillvary will all make their 2013 bows after missing the 26-0 trial defeat at St Helens.

The only senior men missing are Jason Chan, who isn’t being risked (gashed knee), Luke O’Donnell and new signing Ukuma Ta’ai.

O’Donnell returned to England yesterday, while Ta’ai is awaiting his work permit.